Going the Extra Mile

Just because a product is labeled "baby" doesn't mean it's just for the newborn set. Many baby products are amazing multitaskers and can help Mom do anything from taking off her makeup to removing scuffs off of leather goods. Here are just eight of our favorites.
Baby Powder

I will never again go to the beach without baby powder. You know how that pesky sand gets absolutely everywhere? It’s stuck to your clothes, your legs, your car upholstery. Just sprinkle a bit of baby powder over it and it will instantly become much easier to brush off. But that’s not all—untangle a knotted necklace by coating the knot with baby powder. Cool your sheets by sprinkling a very light layer between them during the hot summer months. Get rid of oil splatters on your clothes by applying baby powder to both sides of the fabric. You can even freshen musty drawers, old books and stinky shoes with this stuff!
Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are like little miracle cleaners. Whether you use them to remove your makeup or to clean your microfiber furniture, they won’t disappoint. Unlike lots of other cleaning products and makeup removers, baby wipes are super gentle, pretty much never dry out, usually come with their own carrying case and can be purchased in mega-packs. So whether your waterproof mascara is giving you a run for your money, you got a deodorant streak on your LBD, or the dog just drooled all over the chaise lounge, a couple baby wipes and a little elbow grease is all you need.
MORE: Real Moms Share Tried and True Tricks for Babies With Sensitive Skin
Vaseline

Mix a little Vaseline with Kool-Aid powder for a tinted, flavored lip gloss. Rub a bit on your pulse points before spritzing your perfume to make the scent last longer. Use it as a barrier cream before applying self-tanner. Rub it on your cuticles prior to painting your nails for mani/pedi perfection. Prevent hair color stains by rubbing it on your ears, neck and forehead before coloring your hair at home. Mix it with salt or sugar to create a super cheap and effective lip or body scrub. Layer it over your face or eye serum to lock in the beneficial ingredients (as long as it’s not retinol-based or super powerful to begin with). The question is, what can’t you do with Vaseline?
Baby Shampoo

There’s something really great about unwashed hair—it gives you better volume, great shine and it’s easier to style. But sometimes you want that second-day hair look even though you know you really need to wash your hair. The solution? Set your regular shampoo aside and sample your baby’s shampoo instead. It’ll give your hair a light cleansing without stealing that shine and styling oomph you were looking for. What else can you do with baby shampoo? Use it to clean your makeup brushes. No need to buy that spendy cleansing solution at the makeup counter when baby shampoo is beautifully gentle and effective.
Diaper Rash Cream

You don’t have to wear diapers to be a fan of diaper rash cream. Training for a half marathon? Spending the weekend walking around a theme park or festival? Wearing a bra that rubs you the wrong way? If you’re dealing with chafing, diaper rash cream is your new best buddy. It simultaneously soothes and lubricates so that you can stop walking around like you’re wearing a diaper. Plus, it both heals the rash and prevents it, so if you’re really on top of things, apply it before the chafing becomes a problem. You won’t regret it.
Pampers Sensitive Wipes

Changing your baby can be one of the most loving moments of the day. With Pampers Sensitive wipes’ unique Softgrip Texture, your baby will enjoy less wiping for more gentle cleaning, which is a win-win for both Mom and Baby.
Plus Pampers Sensitive wipes are 20% thicker than Pampers regular wipes, which makes changing time easier for Mom and happier for Baby’s skin. So play that extra game of peekaboo on the changing table or blow a few more raspberries on their tummy, Baby won’t mind!
Baby Oil

I’ve never used baby oil on my actual babies, but I’ve used lots of it on myself and other stuff around the house, too! Baby oil is the perfect post-shave moisturizer. Just rub it in before you dry your legs to capture that extra moisture. Plus, it gives your legs this great dewy shine that lasts all day. Baby oil is also great for removing that gummy residue left by stickers and labels. And it’s a wonderful makeup remover, too! I prefer the gel version because it’s less messy, and the cocoa butter scent feels a little bit tropical, always appreciated during the long winter months.
Baby Lotion

You might be surprised to hear that baby lotion actually makes a great leather conditioner. I don’t know about you, but if I have leather conditioner in my house, I have no idea where it is. But baby lotion? I’m pretty sure I have a bottle in every room. So next time your leather purse or shoes get scuffed or worn-looking, squeeze a tiny bit of baby lotion onto them and rub it in with a soft cloth. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes. Also, lots of moms prefer to use baby lotion on their own bodies rather than resorting to the more expensive brands. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a no brainer.
Breast Milk

Breast milk isn’t just baby’s perfect food. It also has healing, soothing and antiseptic properties. No wonder they call it liquid gold! Breast milk can be used to relieve the itch from poison ivy and poison sumac. It also heals sores from chicken pox. Dab it on cuts, scrapes and sunburn to promote healing. You can even apply it to acne and eczema to help clear the skin. Dealing with congestion? Breast milk can help you breath more freely. Just place a few drops in each nostril. Or if you have lots of extra milk, you can use it in your neti pot! Breast milk can even help moisturize dry skin. Apply it directly to the skin a few times per day or add it to your bath.